The world around me twisted into a chaotic whirlwind as the Shadow Demon closed in, its claws gleaming with deadly intent. My thoughts jumbled together, panic crippling my ability to think, let alone cast a spell.
"Xiviyah!" Soltair's shout hovered on the edges of my fear, and I looked up as he and Trithe rushed behind the demon, but I knew in my heart it was too late.
"Fyren!" My voice trembled as I called out, desperation filling my words.
The clash unleashed a shockwave of ash and shadow, but my Adaptive Resistance protected me from its heat and toxins. Fyren strained, muscles bulging as he held back the demon's overwhelming strength.
I staggered back, my heart pounding with fear. It seemed impossible to defeat something this powerful. The demon's soul pushed the boundary between the seventh and eighth levels, surpassing even Soltair's might.
"Xiviyah!" Fyren grunted, "Focus!"
